A.N: again, thanx to blackfang-san for proofread this -san make this story readable. all reader, hail! to blackfang-san...erm..enjoy this story. - Ray.7
Chapter 2
The room was dark saved from the light from the street below, the darkness shrouded over the figure that stood within the shadows as they stared at the man sitting on a chair with his hands tied behind the chair. The clicking of the lighter's lid flipping open and closed caught the man's attention, his head turning as he was trying to find the figure.
"What do you want from me? I don't know what you want from me if you don't tell me." the tied up man sound desperate as he struggled to break free from his bonds. No answer came from his captor, only a small chuckle as they lit up the lighter showing the predator's face. "Who...who are you?" at the question, the captor withdrew a card from their pocket. The victim's eyes widened at the card as his struggles became more desperate. His breath hitched and quickened, showing his panic. "No...no..let me go! Don't kill me.. I'll do anything you want, whatever it is, please don't kill me."
Putting the card on a side table, the predator closed the lighter lid and at the other end of the lighter, they pulled out a shiny string-like wire at an arm's length.
"Hiieeekkkk...don't kill me.." the victim's pleas grew louder as he began crying out loud, pleading from the bottom of his heart.
The captor approached slowly then scooting down to face their prey for one last time before they stood behind him, looping the wire around his neck.
"No...help…me..." the voice shrieking like a trapped mouse.
"Sweet dreams..." with an end to their words, the wire tightened in a precise and swift pull, leaving the body jerking violently before it went limp.
The Dragon Mansion
The hot water pouring from the shower unto the porcelain white skin as the owner of the lustrous body was savouring the relaxing moment of the night after a busy day. Yet the busy day today was close with such an interesting and pleasing event. One that involved the scarlet eyed beauty who gladly wore the Enchanted Ruby Clow Necklace that furthering enhanced her eyes colour. Such a beautiful smile coated so sweetly at her as she pulled out a chair for her to sit. Soft slow music played in the background and they enjoyed their dinner together knowing more of each other, just enjoying with each other's company when sometimes they catch each other eyes in a secret glance.
Remembering of their conversation in the afternoon before the dinner, Natsuki smiled to herself as she left the bathroom, wrapped in a clean white towel. Few drop of water still linger on her shoulder, her midnight long hair cascaded down her back, tempting anyone who dared to look longer at the goddess-like body. A small tattoo decorated her back at a waistline, not too appealing or eye-catching yet it was there.
-flashback-
"Hello stranger..."
"Ara...who this might be?"
"My..my... pardon me for not properly introducing myself again this time, princess"
"Ara..." Shizuru was speechless at how daring this person was to sweet talk to her.
"Natsuki..." she acknowledged the caller after a much blush and inhale.
"Haha, correct..." there was a moment pause before the caller continued. "Shizuru, like what you saw?" the caller still in a playful tone.
"What I saw?" Shizuru fingers again played with the blue box, feeling the texture of the fabric.
".. If you like it, then it is yours" the voice on the other end spoke huskily, tempting Shizuru as she licked her lips. Ara, why am I feeling like this? This person very tempting to me.
"There is no way you're giving me such an... expensive item to me without asking anything from me." Shizuru voiced her concern.
"Yes..." the voice spoke slowly in a thinking tone. "Yes. Indeed" the voice again spoke in a charming husky tone. "I want you..."
Again, Shizuru's heart beat skipped at such a daring declaration.
"Then I must return it to you for I am not sold with such price, Kannin na, Natsuki-san" Shizuru could hear the other end laughing.
"It would be such an honour if Fujino-sama can... entertain me for a nice dinner at the Linden Baum Itallian Restaurant tonight at 8" The answer was not a question, but more like a statement. "So, if Fujino-sama still feeling unsure on receiving my gift, then she can return it to me then. But before that, maybe Fujino-sama should hear my reason." the voice returned to playful manner again.
"Yes, you may proceed, Kruger-sama" Shizuru couldn't help but play along.
A chuckle could be heard before Natsuki continued. "Well, I hope Fujino-sama still remembers my face, how I dress and my image, does she?"
"Hmmmm... let me think, there is no way I could determine exactly Kruger-sama's image because of the darkened corridor, save from the street light"
"My, my, Fujino-sama. I'm sad..." the voice turned into a disappointed tone. "I'm more of masculine fashion, should I elaborate more on that?"
"Go ahead."
"That will take seven years for me to explain everything, and when I end the explanation, I'm already an old hag with a smoking pot.." at the explanation together with a distain tone, Shizuru giggled. Why does it take seven years just to explain someone's fashion?
"My princess..." the word chosen by Natsuki managed to stop Shizuru in her giggle as she blushed deeply. "The necklace is for such a beautiful and gorgeous person to wear. It would be a waste for someone like me. And, don't worry about the price. I bought it just for you. A gift for your beautiful neck that add up to your illustrious eyes"
"Ma..ma... where was Natsuki looking yesterday exactly? Is she talking to my neck?" Shizuru could hear the other choke and then it was another silent pause again. Maybe the other caller is collecting her breath at her comment.
"Haha..I guess I can't avoid it." Natsuki paused and again changed her playful tone into a serious one "So, a dinner date with me tonight it is?"
"Urmmm..." Shizuru still had doubt in her heart, for Natsuki to approach is too daring and it's clear like as bright skies that Natsuki has an interest in her. But for some unknown reason, she still has her doubts.
"I'll be waiting for you tonight. Have a nice day, Shizuru" the line ended before she could give her answer. There's a hint of care in her tone at how her name had been spoken by Natsuki. It sounded nice to hear.
Linden Baum Itallian Restaurant, 8 pm.
Shizuru arrived at the restaurant five minutes early from the arranged time. As she reached the receptionist, a young girl, hair tied in two braids with nice tuxedo greeted her.
"Hello, maam. Do you have a reservation?" the girl asked in a cheerful tone.
"Ara, yes. I'm here to fulfil an invitation from Kruger" Shizuru was still unsure if she should also mention Natsuki's first name.
"Ah, Natsuki! Yep. I have a special table for you. Natsuki is already waiting you there, maam. Please follow me" leaving her station, the girl led Shizuru to show where she would be dining.
At the mention of the first name basis used by the receptionist, Shizuru raised her brow in question. It seems like Natsuki is also being called by her first name basis here. Is she a regular here?
As they reached at the front of the double door, the receptionist pushed it open and gestured Shizuru to proceed ahead. She bowed next to the figure sitting at the other side of the table.
"Natsuki-san, the guest is here for you."
"Arigatou Mikoto"
"Urmm...urm..." the girl called Mikoto fidget. "Can I call Mai to serve now?"
Standing up, Natsuki patted the girl's head with a smile on her face. "Yes, Mikoto. Go ahead and call Mai. Say to her to bring the food"
Cheerfully, the girl raised both her hands "Haiii!"
Chuckling at the happy display from the receptionist, Natsuki walk to the opposite side of the table and pulled the chair for her guest "Have a seat, princess"
Again, Shizuru's heart skipped at the daring display of chivalry from Natsuki.
"O..ookini."
After taking her own seat, there was a long silence before Shizuru had the courage to ask the most important thing that played on her mind after receiving such a gift from Natsuki. "Kruger-san. If I may, I hope I didn't want to raise any hope or displeasure on you. I would like to ask some questions that I think you already know what they are" Shizuru looked directly at Natsuki, her facade of politeness in place.
"Oho...what might they be?" this time Natsuki had a lopsided grin and returned to her playful manner from the phone conversation before.
"Ara. Can I ask it directly? I don't want to hide behind a bush" Shizuru's façade started to waver.
"You may. I wouldn't mind at all." Natsuki gestured with her hand to proceed.
Shizuru smile politely before she asked "What do you hope to gain from me when you gave me a necklace?" Shizuru gestured for the necklace that already adorned her neck.
Natsuki chuckled at the question before she inhaled and look straight at Shizuru. Deep forest met enchanted ruby, trying to communicate with each other through the staring contest.
"Friendship..." the answer was so simple that Shizuru couldn't understand.
"Friendship?" Shizuru raised her brows at hearing that.
"Yes. I want a company merger. As you know, my company is already established well in China, but here in Japan, the Fujino is the leader. Instead of the rivalry strategy used by my sister, Nao, I, on the other hand want to have my products to spread widely under your company. Therefore, my next product will be the product of both our companies"
"Ara... that is a very hard decision for me to do, Kruger-san" Shizuru look at her hands, noticing that she forgot to wear her ruby ring today.
"I know. Therefore, I will send the proposal tomorrow to your office, so I want you to look at it carefully, but, whatever you choose is your decision, I want you to keep wearing that necklace for me. It suits you better than me." Natsuki lean on her chair leisurely with unknowing smile placed on her face.
"Kanin-na. I cannot receive such a gift for such interest. I must return it to you..." Shizuru knew many other companies would like to merge with their company and would do anything for it. It has contradicted her business's principle. She never has and never will receive anything from someone to gain her favour.
"That's such a waste. Like I said, whatever you choose is your decision. Keep it...it is for you and only you" there was a little disappointment in Natsuki's tone. Upon noticing a regret look on Shizuru's feature, Natsuki continued. "Looks like I don't have a choice. Nao was right, I have to defeat your company first if I want to merge with your company. And... .if I want you, I don't have a choice, do I? Just... don't tell me later that I'm not giving you a warning beforehand"
Shizuru was shocked to hear such a challange being voiced out by Natsuki in an easy manner. A very straight forward and daring declaration of war. Yet, when Natsuki said she wanted her, it make her feel happy. Defeating her giant and successful company is not an easy task. Looking straight at Natsuki with a fire in her eyes, Shizuru voiced her challenge towards the new manager of the Zhang Company Japan Branch. "I would like to see you do that, Kruger-san"
Two eyes again looked at each other. Behind two sets of fiery eyes there was no mistaken, the playfulness in them. Both anticipated the next action from their rival.
Their staring contest was shortly interrupted as the chef arrived with two plates of dishes.
"Natsuki, here is your favourite and Fujino-san, welcome to Linden Baum"
Shizuru noticed Natsuki looking at her plate with a disappointed look, like a beaten puppy. The image softened her heart with glee. Kawaiiii! kya!
"Natsuki!" the yell from the chef made Natsuki jump in her seat.
"Maiiiii...!" this time Natsuki gave the same look towards the chef called Mai.
"Just this time...onegai..." Natsuki eyed Mai pleadingly.
"NO! You eat too much of it lately. You should cut on your fat intake.." As Natsuki look at her plate with defeated face, Mai sighed. "Okay, okay.. I'll get your mayonnaise"
Ara, all that is just for some mayonnaise? Shizuru wondered. Observed closely on Natsuki, she could see how childish Natsuki can be behind her mature self before. She's like two different people; she's so mature and serious when she talks about business, playful and charming when she's flirting and now... she's childish and I find it cute when she's asking for some mayonnaise from Mai. Who are you really, Natsuki. Interesting...
Giddily, Natsuki ate her plate full of mayonnaise. It's hard to tell if the main dish is even there on the plate since it has been covered up with mayonnaise.
"Anoo, Kruger-san..."
"I told you to call me Natsuki..." Natsuki interrupted in between her bites.
"Natsuki, I've been wanting to ask you before... why did the receptionist and the chef call you with first name basis? Are you a frequent customer here?" Shizuru asked, taking a bite from the food presented to her. The dishes were delicious, unlike other high-end classed restaurants, this restaurant knew exactly the customer's need in what they look for in taste.
"Oh? Mai and Mikoto? They are my friends. This restaurant is funded by Zhang Group. We have a wide range of businesses apart from engineering, which are hotels and resorts, restaurants and sports. Linden Baum Japan is the main branch, and as my trusted friend, Mai is the founder and chief manager for Linden Baum. Truth is, it was her idea to open a chain restaurant. So far, we have 6 branches in Australia, Italy, and Asia."
Shizuru never knew because as far as she knew, the owner of the restaurant never mentioned about the Zhang Group in their report.
Noticing the frown on Shizuru face, Natsuki continued. "It's more of a friend's favour. When Mai said she wanted to open a restaurant in Japan, I helped her by giving her financial support to start this business. This restaurant was just a cosy and small restaurant when we first open the doors. Then after three years, looks like Mai had succeeded and all I do now is help her with financial support unofficially. That's how we Chinese do the business."
"Ara...Chinese? But, isn't Natsuki Japanese?" how Natsuki defined herself made Shizuru interested to know more of Natsuki's background. Shizuru found that Natsuki has referred herself as Chinese twice already.
"Ah, gomen. I was accustomed to refer myself as Chinese. Yes, indeed..." Natsuki smiled warmly. "I am a native Japanese, born in a small village of Fuuka, before I was adopted by the Zhangs. My parents both died in an accident, so, I was left in the care of the Zhangs. But then, they were transferred to China as their company grew more successful there, so I followed them to China and lived there for about... hmmm...8 years? I guess, because I living in China for 8 years and everyone around me refer themselves as Chinese, I'm getting accustomed to those references. I sometimes travel back to Japan for my vacation, but this time I'm staying here for good. Japan is my motherland indeed. This land is my ground."
"I'm sorry to hear about your parents..." Shizuru felt sadness creep inside her heart.
"That was a long time ago, I've already forgotten about the sadness of the tragedy. What's left me now is a happy memory I spent with them, and I grateful in that. I'm living happily now." The words coming from Natsuki brought composure to Shizuru. "So, Shizuru, let us put aside our rivalry and let's just be friends for now, shall we? I want to know more of you."
As their dinner courses proceeded from one dishes to another, they talked happily about their lives without even touching anything related to their jobs. Shizuru found that Natsuki is a very easy-going person, cheerful, always strives for her best, and lives her life fully. Sometimes, there was a little mystery in those green orbs which enhanced her personality more. Shizuru couldn't help but feel a warm and fuzzy feeling that she couldn't describe inside of her.